Grab your "passport" to explore the South Shore II

More than a dozen South Shore arts and culture organizations will gather for the Explore the South Shore II, a free event planned for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond. 

The first 500 families attending will receive a "passport of saving" for coupons and discounts throughout the region. Giveaways and chances to win other items will also be available.

Children's activities include a bounce house, games and train rides, classic cars, family photo opportunities and food available on-site. Mascots, a livestock area and live entertainment will entertain and create awareness of upcoming events in Northwest Indiana.

The Towle Theater will present a full performance of "Pickle-Chiffon Pie" at 2 p.m.

Watch for updates on the South Shore CVA's facebook page at www.facebook.com/southshorecva and at www.explorethesouthshore.com.

Business After Hours

Fuel Fitness, 1516 N. Main St., Crown Point, hosts a Business After Hours event 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 26.

Tours of the facility, which includes a cardio theater, indoor track and lap pool, will be given by staffers, who will also be giving details of the new Ignite classes and a new nutritional series starting at the end of the month. Refreshments will be provided.

To RSVP, visit www.crossroadschamber.org.

Church offers PR workshop

The Board of Communication Services at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 250 S. Indiana Ave., Crown Point, is offering a free Public Relations Workshop for area churches and religious institutions Jan. 28 in the church Fellowship Hall, starting with a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m.

The program will continue to 11 a.m. Areas of discussion will include writing a press release, website marketing, social media marketing, event marketing, and more. The workshop is a free service to religious groups in the greater Crown Point area.

For information and required reservations, contact Dennis Hodges at (219) 793-3370.

Mentor Summit planned

Basheer Jones, a poet, motivational speaker, radio host and activist, will offer the keynote address at Northwest Indiana's third annual Mentor Summit, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Library Conference Center at Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary.

The summit offers organizers of youth mentoring programs, and adults interested in mentoring youth, information about creating effective and sustainable mentoring opportunities. Advance registration is $25 per person and includes lunch.

New this year, Jones also will speak at a Teen Summit from 5:30  to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, 7770 Corrine Drive, Hammond. This event is free and open to the first 100 students who register.

The Center for Mentors is an initiative of Legacy Foundation. For more information, contact Barry Tyler at bytyler@legacyfoundationlakeco.org.

Sue Reed is president and CEO of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@crossroadschamber.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.